Article
Geography, Physical
Fei Li, Jiating Deng, Stephen Kershaw, Robert Burne, Qiaolin Gong, Hao Tang, Chaojin Lu, Haizhou Qu, Binsong Zheng, Sichong Luo, Zhimin Jin, Xiucheng Tan
Summary: This study provides detailed descriptions of the morphological and petrological characteristics of microbialites in China, shedding light on the evolutionary process of microbial carbonates during the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition. The development of microbialites experienced two thriving intervals, with noticeable changes in morphology and structure of microbialites during the Cambrian period, likely influenced by increasing bioturbation in Cambrian shelf environments.
GLOBAL AND PLANETARY CHANGE
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Andy W. Heard, Andrey Bekker, Alex Kovalick, Harilaos Tsikos, Thomas Ireland, Nicolas Dauphas
Summary: This study presents geochemical and iron isotopic data for iron-rich stromatolites deposited in the Griquatown Iron Formation in South Africa around 2.46-2.43 billion years ago. The data suggests that the iron delivered by deep upwelling currents underwent quantitative oxidation, likely due to cyanobacterial communities inhabiting the stromatolites and producing local oxygen enrichments.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Coco Koedooder, Etai Landou, Futing Zhang, Siyuan Wang, Subhajit Basu, Ilana Berman-Frank, Yeala Shaked, Maxim Rubin-Blum
Summary: This study assesses the diversity of Trichodesmium in the Red Sea using metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and hetR gene-based phylotyping. The results highlight the morphological and subspecies diversity of Trichodesmium, as well as the presence of rare non-diazotrophic clades. This study emphasizes the importance of re-assessing Trichodesmium taxonomy.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Konik, Katarzyna Bradtke, Joanna Ston-Egiert, Monika Soja-Wozniak, Sylwia Sliwinska-Wilczewska, Miroslaw Darecki
Summary: Cyanobacteria blooms in the Baltic Sea have been challenging to map due to their high dynamics and specific radiometric footprint. In this study, we assessed the use of the cyanobacteria index (CI) as an alternative approach, which showed a close relationship between positive CI values and phycocyanin concentration. The CI index efficiently identified cyanobacteria-dominated blooms near the surface and revealed an elongation of the bloom season.
Article
Ecology
Gerhard Franz, Peter Lyckberg, Vladimir Khomenko, Vsevolod Chournousenko, Hans-Martin Schulz, Nicolaj Mahlstedt, Richard Wirth, Johannes Glodny, Ulrich Gernert, Joerg Nissen
Summary: This study reports on well-preserved Precambrian microfossils from igneous rocks, showing a range of 3D morphologies and likely formed through hydrothermal silicification. The fossils were between approximately 1.760 billion and 1.49 billion years old, and their preservation suggests a geyser system as a possible habitat for microorganisms in the deep biosphere.
Article
Geology
Andrew Cooper, Alan Smith, Gavin Rishworth, Carla Dodd, Matt Forbes, Hayley Cawthra, Callum Anderson
Summary: This article documents the formation of contemporary microbialites on rock coasts in various environments and presents a generalized model based on synthesis of diverse occurrences. It discusses the different sub-environments where microbialite formation occurs and the potential for using modern microbialites as analogs for ancient occurrences. The article also suggests potential ancient examples.
JOURNAL OF SEDIMENTARY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Jenny Hieronymus, Kari Eilola, Malin Olofsson, Inga Hense, H. E. Markus Meier, Elin Almroth-Rosell
Summary: By introducing a cyanobacteria life cycle model, researchers have successfully improved the representation of cyanobacteria in the Baltic Sea within a three-dimensional coupled model, enhancing their ability to predict seasonal patterns. This model can be utilized to continuously predict internal nitrogen loads in Baltic Sea ecosystem management.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nadav Oren, Stefan Timm, Marcus Frank, Oliver Mantovani, Omer Murik, Martin Hagemann
Summary: Desiccation-tolerant cyanobacteria are able to survive dehydration cycles, with red/far-red light affecting their inorganic carbon assimilation. The decline in ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase activity during desiccation was found to be accelerated by far-red light, negatively impacting Ci affinity in both tolerant and non-tolerant cyanobacteria. It is suggested that red/far-red light perception via phytochromes regulates Ci uptake by cyanobacteria, contributing to desiccation tolerance in certain strains.
Article
Plant Sciences
Kevin J. Sheridan, Toby J. Brown, Julian J. Eaton-Rye, Tina C. Summerfield
Summary: The wavelengths of light harvested in oxygenic photosynthesis are typically between 400 and 700 nm. Cyanobacteria can adapt to far-red light by up-regulating alternative copies of various proteins, including D1(FR), to support photosynthesis. Incorporating D1(FR) into Synechocystis 6803 resulted in low rates of oxygen evolution and an inability to support photoautotrophic growth. Mutations in helix A, resembling D1(FR) residues, produced a similar phenotype, while changes in helices B and C had minor effects on photoautotrophy but impacted the function of PS II.
PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erica P. P. Suosaari, Ioan Lascu, Amanda M. M. Oehlert, Paola Parlanti, Enrico Mugnaioli, Mauro Gemmi, Paul F. F. Machabee, Alan M. M. Piggot, Alvaro T. T. Palma, R. Pamela Reid
Summary: This study examines the associations between microbial communities, Mg-clay minerals, and carbonates in microbial mat samples from the Puquios in the Atacama Desert. It finds micrometer-scale aggregates of nanocrystalline Mg-clay around cyanobacterial cell sheaths and throughout alveolar networks of microbial extracellular polymeric substances. High-Mn calcite is found occupying pore spaces and surfaces within the clay matrix. The study suggests that the formation of authigenic clays is important for the preservation of microbial communities and the precipitation of carbonates in non-marine settings such as saline lakes.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oscar Dario Beltran-Perez, Joanna J. Waniek
Summary: The study investigated the inter-annual variability and phenology of spring and summer phytoplankton blooms in the eastern Baltic Sea. Results showed that summer blooms occur earlier, last longer, and are more sensitive to changes in environmental conditions compared to spring blooms.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geology
Sherif Farouk, Sreepat Jain, Atef Hosny, Khaled Al-Kahtany, Mohamed Diab, Esam Zahran
Summary: The study of the Cenomanian-Turonian successions in east-central Sinai revealed significant variations in lithology, microfacies, and sequence stratigraphy, indicating regional differences possibly due to regional tectonic influences. The identified depositional sequences displayed distinct vertical changes and trends, with the presence of maximum flooding surfaces and absence of lowstand and falling systems tracts in most sequences. The comparison of sequence boundaries with other regions suggested some discordance across the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary and during the early-middle Turonian transition, likely attributed to regional tectonics causing major hiatuses and amalgamation of sequence boundaries.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Min-Soo Joo, Kwang-Min Choi, Gyoungsik Kang, Won-Sik Woo, Kyung-Ho Kim, Min -Young Sohn, Ha-Jeong Son, Hyun-Ja Han, Hye-Sung Choi, Do-Hyung Kim, Chan-Il Park
Summary: IL-1 beta and IL-8 play important roles in the defense against RSIV infection in red sea bream, and their expressions are regulated by the site and severity of infection.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hiroyuki Takasu, Mana Ikeda, Kotaro Miyahara, Tomohiro Shiragaki
Summary: We investigated picophytoplankton in the surface and bottom layers of a shallow eutrophic coastal system in Isahaya Bay, Japan. Picophytoplankton, particularly Synechococcus, dominated in spring and summer. The concentrations and abundance of picophytoplankton in Isahaya Bay were higher compared to other eutrophic coastal waters. Water temperature and dissolved inorganic phosphorus were identified as major controlling factors for picophytoplankton in Isahaya Bay. The presence and distribution of picophytoplankton in the bottom layer suggest a sinking from the surface layer. This study highlights the significant influence of picophytoplankton on biogeochemical processes in Isahaya Bay and potentially other eutrophic coastal seas.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Matthew A. Campbell, Thorsten Bauersachs, Lorenz Schwark, Bernadette C. Proemse, Rolan S. Eberhard, Marco J. L. Coolen, Kliti Grice
Summary: This study investigated microbial mats growing under different salinities and found that the diversity of heterocytous cyanobacteria is strongly affected by salinity. Low salinity favors the presence of heterocytous cyanobacteria in freshwater mats, while higher salinities support the growth of non-heterocytous cyanobacteria. However, functional analyses revealed that even though heterocytous cyanobacteria are less abundant in high salinity mats, they play a vital role in nitrogen fixation and biofilm formation.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Aki Kato, Daniela Basso, Annalisa Caragnano, Graziella Rodondi, Line Le Gall, Viviana Pena, Jason M. Hall-Spencer, Masasuke Baba
Summary: After analyzing morpho-anatomical data and DNA sequences, it was discovered that the so-called "Lithophyllum okamurae" actually consisted of two species, Lithophyllum okamurae and a new cryptic species named L. neo-okamurae. These two species share similarities in morphology but can be distinguished by specific characteristics.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Valentina A. Bracchi, Sarah Caronni, Agostino N. Meroni, Esteban Gottfried Burguett, Fabrizio Atzori, Nicoletta Cadoni, Fabio Marchese, Daniela Basso
Summary: Mediterranean rhodolith beds are important marine benthic habitats for the European Community, as they contribute to biodiversity and carbonate budget. A study found that the morphostructural differences of rhodoliths at different sites are associated with current velocity. Understanding the morphological diversity of rhodoliths is crucial for effective management of these beds.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniela Basso, Giulia Piazza, Valentina Alice Bracchi
Summary: Calcareous red algae are foundation species and ecosystem engineers with a global distribution. However, the principles governing their calcification pathways are still debated and the morphological characters are frequently unreliable for species segregation. In this study, the researchers described a new species Lithophyllum pseudoracemus, and used high resolution SEM images to explore the effectiveness of microanatomy and ultrastructural calcification traits for species identification. The results showed that different size of the perithallial cells and the features of the asexual conceptacle chambers may contribute to the separation of the two species.
Article
Geography
Andrea Giulia Varzi, Luca Fallati, Alessandra Savini, Valentina Alice Bracchi, Pietro Bazzicalupo, Antonietta Rosso, Rossana Sanfilippo, Marco Bertolino, Maurizio Muzzupappa, Daniela Basso
Summary: Peculiar columnar-shaped coralligenous (C) outcrops were documented offshore Marzamemi village (SE Sicily, Ionian Sea), and the extent and distribution of these outcrops were assessed using a new high-resolution bathymetric map. The C bioconstructions are mainly distributed along two depth ranges, 36-42 m and 86-102 m water depth.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Valentina Alice Bracchi, Agostino Niyonkuru Meroni, Vivien Epis, Daniela Basso
Summary: The complexity and heterogeneity of rhodolith beds pose challenges to monitoring strategies and raise questions about the role of abiotic factors in controlling their diversity. Mollusk thanatocoenoses, which quickly respond to environmental conditions, can provide valuable insights into this heterogeneity. This research studied three different rhodolith beds from the Tyrrhenian Sea, and found that the study of mollusk thanatocoenoses can reveal the diversity within and among these beds.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sarah Caronni, Valentina Alice Bracchi, Fabrizio Atzori, Sandra Citterio, Nicoletta Cadoni, Rodolfo Gentili, Chiara Montagnani, Lara Assunta Quaglini, Daniela Basso
Summary: The study in the marine protected area of Capo Carbonara in Italy reveals that the green alga Caulerpa cylindracea is one of the most invasive and spread on rhodolith beds. However, data on the competitive interactions between C. cylindracea and rhodoliths are limited. By analyzing video frames from Remote Operated Vehicle records, the study shows that different rhodolith bed compositions and C. cylindracea cover exist in different MPA sites, indicating diverse competitive interactions between C. cylindracea and rhodoliths.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Antonietta Rosso, Gemma Donato, Rossana Sanfilippo, Donatella Serio, Francesco Sciuto, Francesco D'Alpa, Valentina Alice Bracchi, Mauro Pietro Negri, Daniela Basso
Summary: This study focuses on the epibiosis found on the bryozoan species Margaretta cereoides, which contributes to canopy formation on a coralligenous build-up. The researchers found that the diversity of epibionts on Margaretta cereoides is higher than on algae, possibly due to the morphology and persistence of the bryozoan's surface. In addition, the epibiont diversity on Margaretta cereoides is higher than reported for other Mediterranean species and Flustra foliacea from North Europe.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Valentina Alice Bracchi, Sam J. J. Purkis, Fabio Marchese, Megan K. B. Nolan, Tullia Isotta Terraneo, Silvia Vimercati, Giovanni Chimienti, Mattie Rodrigue, Ameer Eweida, Francesca Benzoni
Summary: According to radiometric dating and benthic surveys, free-living foraminiferal-algal nodules in the NEOM region of the Saudi Arabian Red Sea can be over 2000 years old and contribute 980 megatons of calcium carbonate. Two scientific expeditions between 2020 and 2022 discovered these nodules forming an unexpected benthic ecosystem in mesophotic water depths on the continental shelf. The nodules, mostly spheroidal in shape, are transported en masse down slope into the deep water basin, where they stop accreting. Radiometric dating reveals their age and their significant contribution to the mesophotic benthic carbonate budget.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Giulia Piazza, Valentina A. Bracchi, Antonio Langone, Agostino N. Meroni, Daniela Basso
Summary: This study investigates the influence of growth rate and temperature on the B/Ca ratio in coralline algae. The findings provide valuable insights for reconstructing surface ocean pH and atmospheric pCO(2) using B/Ca as a proxy.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Fabio L. Bonali, Elena Russo, Fabio Vitello, Varvara Antoniou, Fabio Marchese, Luca Fallati, Valentina Bracchi, Noemi Corti, Alessandra Savini, Malcolm Whitworth, Kyriaki Drymoni, Federico Pasquare Mariotto, Paraskevi Nomikou, Eva Sciacca, Sofia Bressan, Susanna Falsaperla, Danilo Reitano, Benjamin van Wyk de Vries, Mel Krokos, Giuliana Panieri, Mathew Alexander Stiller-Reeve, Giuseppe Vizzari, Ugo Becciani, Alessandro Tibaldi
Summary: The study explored how users perceive the usefulness of immersive virtual reality in Earth Sciences teaching and communication, with most participants expressing willingness to repeat the experience and confirming its usefulness for geo-education purposes, especially students and academics.